Fairfax County Hosts Official Events
During Annual Festival,March 20 - April 15, 2018

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Fairfax
County, VA – March 2018 / Newsmaker Alert / Visitors to Washington,
DC’s famed, cherry-tree-lined Tidal Basin have even more options for celebrating
those spectacular blossoms in 2018. Nearby Fairfax
County, Virginia will host a number of official events during this
year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival®, as well as other cherry blossom-themed
exhibits, self-guided garden tours, and activities celebrating Japanese
culture and heritage. Peak bloom dates are expected March 17|–|20,
2018. For up-to-date information, visit www.fxva.com/cherryblossom.|

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

|Glorious
Gardens Tour

Explore
some of Northern Virginia’s finest gardens during the National Cherry Blossom
Festival®. Visitors who would like to go beyond the famous Tidal Basin
are invited to plan a self-guided tour of some of the region’s most splendid
gardens. In addition to the District’s iconic cherry trees, plan stops
at the following not-to-miss sites:

River
Farm, www.ahsgardening.org/about-river-farm,
703-768-5700A
historic 25-acre site on the banks of the Potomac River, River Farm was
once part of George Washington’s original five farms, and is currently
the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. The grounds offer
spectacular river views, a wildlife garden and delightful children’s areas.
Free entrance.

Meadowlark
Botanical Gardens, www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens,
703-255-3631More
than 100 cherry trees surrounding a lovely lake, an extensive shade garden,
native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms and foliage
make up Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. Also be sure to visit the only Korean
Bell Garden open to the public in the western hemisphere during your visit.
Small entrance fee at door.

Green
Spring Gardens, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring,
703-642-5173Embrace
nature at Green Spring Gardens, where you’ll find a wooded stream, a valley
with ponds, a native plant garden, over 20 thematic demonstration gardens,
and a greenhouse filled with tropical plants. It’s an outdoor classroom,
a museum and a national historic site. Free entrance.

During
the Festival, visitors are encouraged to check in at the main desk at each
garden to receive a special complimentary memento and information on other
National Cherry Blossom Festival® events. Check garden website for
hours and directions.

Cultural
Events

March
20 to April 15 - Fairfax County’s Festival Central at the Fairfax County
Visitor CenterThe
official Fairfax County Visitor Center in Tysons Corner Center (on 2nd
level outside Nordstrom) is “Festival Central” in Fairfax County. The public
is invited to stop in for free gifts, Festival schedules and information
on activities throughout the region. On March 31, the Center will host
a special event from 1pm – 3pm with craft demonstrations and more! (http://www.fxva.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-center;
703-752-9500)

March
24 – Plants & Design: Japanese Garden Design at Green Spring GardensJapanese
garden design is an art form millennia in the making. Stone, gravel, water,
bridges, paths and plants all hold significance. Whether you are looking
to make your own Japanese style garden or simply want to learn to appreciate
the elemental meanings, Horticulturist Bevan Shimizu will teach you the
essentials in creating a Japanese style garden. This program is from 9:30
– 11am. $22/person. Registration code: 290 285 7201.

March
31 – Cherry STEM Day at the Lab at Children’s Science Center LabDesign
your own cherry blossom petal, flower, or tree to truly remember 2018’s
Cherry Blossom Festival! Visitors will create their own unique representation
of a cherry blossom. By growing their own crystals, guests explore the
world of chemical reactions and solubility and become chemists! This Lab
is open from 10am – 6pm. Activity included in price of admission to Lab.
Lab located inside Fair Oaks Mall.

April
7 – Family Fun: Asian Brush Painting at Green Spring GardensCelebrate
the blooming of the cherry trees and Japanese culture with Asian sumi-e
brush painting for kids and parents. Learn about the materials and brush
strokes used in this beautiful art style and take home your own brush painting
masterpiece. The program is from 1 – 2:30pm and is designed for ages 5
to adult. $10/person. Registration code: 290 289 9201.

April
14 – Cherry Blossom Second Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse Arts CenterSee
an artistic celebration of the Cherry Blossom Festival in every building
of the Workhouse Arts Center campus during the evening Second Saturday
Art Walk, including Cherry Blossom Art demonstrations for all ages, gallery
receptions, and studio talks. Arrive before sunset to stroll the property
and see our own cherry trees along Rt. 123. Buildings and history museum
open at noon. Find Cherry Blossom custom jewelry, ceramics, glass and other
visual arts. Talk to our artists about what inspires them. The Art Walk
runs from 6 – 9pm. Admission is always free.

Visit
Fairfax (www.fxva.com) is the official
tourism organization for Fairfax County, Virginia. Charged with destination
marketing and tourism promotion, it is directed by many of the County’s
top tourism and hospitality leaders. For more information on deals, events
and more, download the free Visit Fairfax app at www.fxva.com/plan-your-trip/mobile-app.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook,
Twitter (@VisitFairfax),
and Instagram (@VisitFairfax)
for all Fairfax County events and activities this Spring! Hashtag: #FXVA

The
National Cherry Blossom Festival® is the nation’s greatest springtime
celebration. The 2018 Festival, March 20 - April 15, includes nearly four
spectacular weeks of events featuring diverse and creative programming
promoting traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty,
and community spirit. The 2018 Festival commemorates the 106th anniversary
of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between
the United States and Japan. 877.44.BLOOM // www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
// @CherryBlossFest //
Facebook.com/CherryBlossomFestival